by Kyra Quinn
“The Mother of Darkness has it in her sketchy secret weapons room. Where else would it be?” Aster blew a stray platinum hair from her face. “I don’t know why I tricked myself into thinking this would be easy. Nothing is ever easy with demons involved.”
“Thanks for mentioning that after the fact.”
“Like you needed any other excuses to wuss out,” she snickered. “Now what do we do? We’re still trapped in this cage, and your evil bitch of a mother has the weapon we came for.”
“I don’t know, but we don’t have long to decide. Daeva said she didn’t need me. She wants my powers.”
“Which means she plans to kill you and drain it out of you,” Aster agreed, her expression grim. “Brutal way to go.”
“Thanks, I feel so much better about it now.”
Aster winced. “Sorry. Don’t worry about that. We’ll figure out an escape long before dear Mommy tries to slaughter you.”
I wished she wouldn’t make promises she had no way of keeping, but I appreciated the sentiment. I squinted and tried to steal a glimpse into the hallway.
“Think the door’s guarded?”
Aster shook her head. “Waste of manpower. Those glowing bars of doom mean we’re not going anywhere unless they let us.”
I approached the bars and frowned. I did not understand how the demons turned them on and off, which made it difficult to reproduce the effect. Without being able to get close or examine the door, I had no way to open it from the inside.
“Plan B,” I said, my voice low. “What are our odds of overpowering her guard the next time he comes down here?”
“The beefy one?” Aster gave a hollow laugh. “Err, not real high. We have a higher chance of seducing him with our womanly wiles.”
The metal door down the hall swung open with a loud creak. Too late. Time had run out.
Aster and I exchanged panicked glances as footsteps approached the cell. My skin turned to ice. Forget what Aster thought; we were sticking with Plan B. At the moment; we had no others.
“The Queen will see you now,” the guard’s voice called in an almost merry singsong.
My determination doubled. I cracked my neck and dug my feet into the ground as I waited for the demon to approach. He’d gotten the jump on me before, but I wouldn’t let it happen twice. His strength wouldn’t matter as much if he couldn’t catch me.
Aster shook her head so hard I thought it might snap from her neck. Her face paled. As tense as the moment was, part of me wanted to laugh. For someone so fearless and brazen with her wand, insecurity and fear crippled her as much as any other girl without it.
“Trust me,” I whispered, though I couldn’t promise she should. Taking on the biggest demon I’d ever seen was only the latest in a string of poor decisions. But indecision would be the death of us. If I had to die, I’d at least die with honor.
The bars in front of the door vanished. I didn’t hesitate a second longer. I crouched low and threw myself at the demon with all my weight. My skull connected with the demon’s thigh just in time to hear the clack of high heels behind him.
“You never give up, do you?” Daeva asked with a low chuckle. “You take after me more than you’ll ever know.”
The demon reached down and lifted me from the ground by the back of my shirt. I kicked and thrashed, but my struggle only increased Daeva’s laughter. My cheeks burned as tears flooded my eyes. I’d never imagined the end as so humiliating.
“Isn’t she cute?” Daeva asked, her patronizing tone chipping away at what remained of my dignity. “A fighter, too. It’s a pity. She had a lot of potential.”
“Potential for what?” Aster asked behind me, her voice small.
Daeva’s eyes sparkled as she noticed Aster. “The mage. You must be so excited to see your sister again.”
Her what? I flailed and kicked, but the demon held me in place as Daeva approached Aster. She cocked her head to the side as she studied the mage. Not once did her smile slip.
“Bad timing, though. Chay left on a hunt two days ago. It took a while to break her in, but your sister has made a damn fine addition to my team.”
“Let her go!” Aster lunged for Daeva. Her hands froze inches from the goddess’s neck when Daeva flicked her wrist and flung the mage into the wall of the cell. Aster’s body slammed against the stone and slid to the ground with a thump.
With Aster out of the way, Daeva returned her attention to me. “You inherited this foolishness from your father. I offered to make you the most powerful woman in the universe, Lilianna. Shadow City will need a new queen when my time comes, someone who can be trusted to put the people before the politics. You are so much like me, even if you can’t see it yet. I think you’d make a fine addition to Court.”
“I am nothing like you.”
Daeva’s face darkened. “As your mother, I had to try one last time. But your participation isn’t required. I’ll consume your powers as my own. Besides, I get better results when I handle things myself.” She turned to the demon and said, “Everything should be almost ready upstairs. All we need now is the guest of honor.”
She winked in my direction as she raised her hand. She blew a kiss just as she snapped her claws together. My vision went dark, my body limp. My mother’s face remained burned onto the back of my eyelids as I sank into the darkness.
* * *
My mother’s voice slipped into my ears before I opened my eyes. A brisk breeze blew across my skin. Pain shot through my head like an arrow as I bit back a groan.
“Where is the stave?” Daeva demanded. “I’m certain she didn’t leave it in Astryae. I told you to bring me everything you confiscated.”
“That is everything, My Queen,” a nasally voice replied. “We’ve searched every corner of the castle, but the witch’s wand has vanished. All we found were these daggers.”
A sharp slap rang through the air. “Idiot,” she hissed. “A mage’s power is contained in the soul gem of their stave. Without the weapon, she’s nothing but a useless sack of flesh.”
“I’m sorry, your grace, I—”
Daeva’s voice remained colder than ice. “Get out of my sight before you pay for your ignorance with your life.”
Footsteps scurried off as the demon fled. My chest tightened as I held my position and waited, afraid to open my eyes. How had such a wicked woman given birth to me?
Daeva heaved a dramatic sigh. “It’s so hard to find good help. Andras, love, be a dear?”
“Yes, Your Majesty?” a familiar voice answered.
My blood ran cold. Remiel and Viktor were right. Andras walked us into a trap, and we’d followed like sheep being led to the slaughter. I clenched my jaw as I fought back the urge to jump up and rip his esophagus out with my teeth. He’d pay for his betrayal if it was the only thing I accomplished before my death.
“Bring me the Tome of Shadows. I’d like to begin before Zanox returns and interrupts our plans.”
“Right away, Dark Mother,” Andras answered. He sounded nothing like the arrogant demon of deals Aster and I had spoken to hours before. His voice brimmed with awe and admiration as he spoke to my mother as he groveled at her feet like the inconsequential cockroach he was. How had I allowed his facade to fool me?
“You won’t get away with this,” Aster’s voice rasped somewhere to my left. “The angels will come for you.”
Daeva laughed. “Oh, you sweet summer child. I fear the angels no more than you fear a spider in the corner of your bedchamber. The gods are strong, but Zanox has always been stronger. Why else do you think Cimera banished her own twin into the shadows?”
“From what I read in the lore, his bloodlust and hubris played the larger roles.”
Daeva scoffed. “I’ve never liked that about your kind. You may draw your power from the shadows, but you do not understand them. Instead you swallow the propaganda the Gardens have spread as readily as the mortals. You spend all your time cultivating your human side and ignore the fact it’s the weakes
t part about you.”
“Depends on your definition of strength.” Aster coughed. “At least I can love.”
“You have us confused with the angels again,” Daeva said, her voice flat. “Not that it matters. Your sister is the more accomplished mage between you. Knowledge won’t do you much good in death.”
My eyes fluttered open, my heart racing in my chest. Pinprick stars hung above my head, most of the moon obscured behind thick clouds. I tried to sit up, but my arms and legs refused to move.
“Look who joined us.” Daeva’s lips curled when her eyes fell on me. “What’s the matter, love? Stuck? Resistance is pointless for you now; by the time that spell wears off, you’ll be long dead.”
She’d laid me on my back on top of a cold metal table. Her magic paralyzed my body from the neck down. Stone half-walls surrounded us on either side, the air thin. Daeva stood between Aster and I in front of a long wooden table. The items on top appeared almost a perfect match to Aster’s altar. My body went cold as I realized what Daeva had planned for us.
“I hate to do this, Lili,” she said, no trace of remorse in her tone, “but you forced my hand. We could have accomplished so much together, mother and daughter fighting side-by-side. The Shadowrealm and everything beyond it was ours for the taking.”
“You’ve wanted me dead this entire time.”
Daeva frowned. “You’re wrong. I always hoped we’d be able to be a family someday. Our powers combined would be enough to wipe out Zanox, not to mention any of the Garden’s dimwits. But I sensed within five minutes of meeting you Samael’s influence in you is too strong.” She shrugged as her smirk returned. “Lesson learned: don’t procreate with an Archangel next time.”
I didn’t know which part to address first. Daeva’s words swirled through my head as she laughed and resumed her work at the table. An archangel? And how could anyone have a strong influence on me if we’d never met?
Andras returned before I had time to ask, a thick leather-bound book clutched to his chest. He grinned as he saw me, the moon bright against his golden tooth.
The Marquis winked. “I’d say you have repaid your favor.”
Rage flooded through me like a drug. I tried to thrash against the invisible restraints to get to Andras, but no part of my body responded. “When I get out of this, you will die. I won’t stop until you bleed for your crimes.”
Andras dropped to his knee as he presented the book to Daeva. “The Tome of Shadows, My Queen.”
“Why don’t you lick her boots while you’re down there?” I snarled. “At least then you’d be good for something.”
Andras’s lips curled over his fangs. “Let’s see how much shit you talk once the Dark Mother spills your blood, whore.”
Daeva took the book and flipped through the browned pages as she hummed under her breath. “Ritualistic sacrifices are so complicated. Every piece has to be in place for it to work.”
“But if you’re the Dark Queen, who do you sacrifice to?” Aster asked. “Zanox?”
Daeva chuckled, her eyes still on the book in her hands. “The modern understanding of mythology and magic is so watered down it hurts. The gods might be the most power known to this world, but even their powers come from somewhere.”
“Where?” Aster asked, her eyes wide.
But Daeva shook her head. “Sorry, love, no time for a history lesson. I’d say let’s chat about it later, but—”
A loud crack echoed from the rooftop. A snarl ripped through the air behind me. I rolled my eyes so far back my head hurt, but with my neck paralyzed I couldn’t see anything behind me. Daeva’s face flashed between shock and rage, her teeth bared as she snatched a long, sharp knife from the table.
“You’ve made a grave mistake,” Daeva boomed, her voice piercing. “And you will pay for it with your lives.”
“This isn’t my first dance with a demon,” a familiar husky voice answered.
Viktor. My heart fluttered like the wings of a butterfly. I wanted nothing more than to leap up from the table and wrap my arms around his neck. Against all reason, he’d come back for us.
“I heard tales of your bloodlust, but I never imagined you cold enough to stab your own daughter in the back.” Remiel’s voice joined him. “The stories fail you, Night Mother. You are more savage than anyone knows.”
Daeva rolled her eyes. “You know nothing about me, fallen one. You do not understand what I’ve been through, let alone what I’m capable of. I will do whatever it takes to win this fight.”
“The Gardens and the Shadows have been at peace since the fall of Zanox. This war is unnecessary.” Remiel said, each word chosen with care as he stepped closer to Daeva. “Millions will die, and for what?”
“You know nothing but what they’ve told you. Otherwise I’m positive you’d be quick to reevaluate your allegiances.”
“I do not fight for the Gardens.” Remiel’s chest puffed, a trickle of pride in his voice. “I fight for what is right.”
A massive wolf with ashen fur soared through the air and crashed into Daeva’s chest. The pair flew backwards into the table. A crack ripped through the air as the table split from their weight. Daeva and Viktor slammed into the ground. The contents of the table flew and splattered on the ground around them. Crimson splatter soaked the dark stone floors and half-walls.
“Arrrg!” Daeva screamed as she sprang to her feet. She reached down and jerked Viktor up by the fur on the back of his neck. She hurled the wolf through the air like a rag-doll. He whimpered as his body smashed into the side of the wall. He slid to the ground with a thump, his body twitching as his fur disappeared. Within a few seconds the wolf vanished. Viktor’s pale face laid naked and unconscious against the ground.
“Lili, quick!” Aster shouted. “Viktor interrupted the spell. Run!”
I sprang up from the table as if she’d lit a fire beneath me. I collapsed to the ground within two steps, my knees like rubber. My head still swam with whatever dark powers she’d used on us. I growled in frustration, my movements clumsy.
“Lili, run!” Remiel flew past me, sword in hand. He charged for Daeva’s head, his eyes alight with the flame of his weapon. I watched with wide eyes as he raised the sword above his head and swung down with all his might.
The sword pierced the hem of her gown as Daeva rolled out of the way. Remiel stumbled as his sword clanged against the ground. Daeva delivered a roundhouse kick to his stomach, her face twisted in fury. Remiel flew in the air and landed against the ground with a thud.
“Lili, come on!” Aster pleaded. She knelt by Viktor’s unconscious body, her eyes round with fear.
“Go!” Remiel staggered as he rose to his feet. “Get him out of here.”
“But you—”
“I can handle Daeva. GO!” He didn’t wait to see if we followed his orders. He charged Daeva once more with his shoulder, eager to keep her attention on him and her eyes off us.
For a second, my body turned to stone. Both decisions had consequences that chilled me to consider. If we didn’t run and get Viktor out of the line of fire, we might not get another opportunity. But could I leave Remiel alone with my mother? What would become of him if I did?
But the tears flowing down Aster’s cheeks pulled me to my feet. My heart shattered as I hurtled towards her and Viktor, the wind cold against my wings. Grief blurred my vision as I tried to block out the sound of Daeva and Remiel’s fight behind me. I had to pray he would be okay. Viktor needed me.
“We have to wake him.” Aster blinked back tears as her open palm struck the side of Viktor’s face. I cringed as she hit him again. “Come on, buddy, wake up. You’re too heavy for us to carry.” She reached down and pinched his nostrils together as her lip quivered. “Please, Viktor, please open your eyes.”
We took turns slapping and shaking his unconscious body until a groan escaped his closed lips. His copper eyes fluttered open as he gasped for air.
“Thank Cimera.” Aster sighed as her shoulders sagged. “H
elp him up and let’s get out of here.”
We pulled Viktor to his feet. Viktor stumbled, his legs still weak. Aster and I positioned ourselves on either side of him and threw his arms over our shoulders. I stumbled under his weight as we raced away from the center of the action, my heart in my throat. We’d have to figure out a new plan, and fast. Daeva’s men wouldn’t let us walk out through the front door.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Immortals Don’t Die
Aster froze the moment we reached the inside of the castle. She dropped Viktor’s weight and raked a hand through her hair. “We need to find the scythe.”
“What?” I blinked. “Are you insane?”
“We did not come all this way to leave empty-handed.”
Viktor licked his lips, his voice strained. “Doesn’t matter. Osius is g-gone. Zanox t-t-tricked us. This whole mission was a t-trap.”
I blinked as Viktor’s words settled into my brain. How? I’d seen Osius with my own eyes. “No. No, I spoke to Osius myself. It had to be him. Zanox would have killed me on sight.”
Viktor shook his head. “W-we saw him, Lili. At Aster’s place. He s-sent us here on purpose.”
Aster’s jaw dropped. “What do you mean Osius is gone? Where the Fey is he?”
“No one knows.”
I groaned under Viktor’s weight, my teeth clenched. “If we get captured again, Remiel’s sacrifice will be wasted. We need to get to the veil.”
“I don’t have my stave.” Aster shook her empty hands. “Maybe you two can even get by okay with your natural abilities. But I’m not going anywhere without something to defend myself.”
I released Viktor to the ground. My arms burned from the bulk of his weight, my lungs tight. “How do I heal him? We need him at full strength to escape.”
“How should I know?” Aster snapped. “I guess touch his face and try to concentrate on toughening him up.”
“Swell.” As if carrying the naked man on my shoulder didn’t feel awkward enough, now I needed to caress his face. I dropped to my knees on the ground next to Viktor. My jaw tightened as I tried to force my eyes not to wander over the spirals of gold ink etched into the skin beneath his thick curls of chest hair.
